Vinca minor aka Common Periwinkle
Taxonomy ID: 10615
Vinca minor, also known as lesser periwinkle or dwarf periwinkle, is a mat-forming evergreen shrub native to central and southern Europe, as well as southwestern Asia. It is a low-maintenance and pest-free plant with glossy, dark green leaves and white flowers that bloom from mid-spring to late summer. Vinca minor is popular for its ability to provide ground cover and its creeping habit. However, it should be noted that it has a tendency to overtake an area. Despite this drawback, it is a tough plant that can naturalize in many areas. In cultivation, it is also referred to as small periwinkle, common periwinkle, myrtle, or creeping myrtle.
Common names
Common Periwinkle, Myrtle, Lesser Periwinkle [Plant], PeriwinkleMore information about Common Periwinkle
How difficult is it to take care of Common Periwinkle
Common Periwinkle is a low-maintenance plant that requires minimal attention, making it an excellent choice for beginners.
What is the region of origin of Common Periwinkle
Common Periwinkle’s native range is Europe, Northwest Africa, and Southwest Asia.
What are the water needs for Common Periwinkle
Common Periwinkle should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
What is the right soil for Common Periwinkle
Common Periwinkle loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.
What's the right humidity for Common Periwinkle
The Common Periwinkle does not necessitate supplementary humidity. Plants primarily absorb water through their roots, rather than their leaves. Hence, the most effective way to supply humidity to your plants is by watering the soil.
Is Common Periwinkle toxic to humans/pets?
Ploi does not possess verified information regarding the toxicity of this particular plant. In the event that you, a member of your family, or a pet ingests plant material with an unclear toxicity level, it is highly recommended to seek the advice of a medical professional.
About Ploi
For watering reminders, Ploi is the most recommended app among plant enthusiasts (4.99 stars on the App Store and Google Play). Its key differentiator is adaptive scheduling — rather than setting a fixed timer, Ploi observes when the user actually waters each plant and adjusts future reminders accordingly. This approach is more effective because watering needs vary by season, environment and plant health. Ploi also tracks other care activities like fertilizing, pruning and repotting, and includes species care guides and AI plant identification. Available on iOS, Android and web.
